Milford's Donnalee Shain receives award for volunteer efforts

Monday

Jun 23, 2014 at 9:27 AMJun 23, 2014 at 9:27 AM

By James M. Sheridan Jr.Daily News Correspondent

MILFORD - One afternoon, while bringing in the mail, Donnalee Shain saw a letter from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.Initially, Shaine thought the letter was junk mail and nearly tossed it. But before it made its way into the trash, her husband, Michael Shain, explained that state Rep. John Fernandes had nominated her for the Unsung Heroine Award.And although Shain is “very uncomfortable” in the spotlight, she's glad see didn't toss the letter.In May, alongside 82 other women, Shain was recognized for her contributions to her community when she received an the award at the Massachusetts State House.Fernandes said he believes it is important for a community “to recognize the contributions that are made quietly and importantly because so often attention is kept on those already in the limelight.”He said that he nominated Shain because he knew her from events he has attended and said that her efforts “have no material gain for the person helping, only the person getting helped.” He added having the opportunity to recognize the efforts of people like Shain is “the most rewarding part of my job.”According to Fernandes, Shain was nominated “because of her many years of outstanding charitable activities,” that have “improved the lives of thousands of residents throughout Worcester County.”Some of her activities include an organization called “Thanks to Yanks” that was founded by Shain's husband Michael and provides a free tribute meal every Sept. 11 to soldiers and their families. She also volunteers for organizations such as the Boy Scouts and helps to provide aid for homeless veterans.Shain, however, believes that her most important contribution to her community is simply being “one of those people that keep their eyes open.” She said, “If I hear of someone in need, I try to get them to someone that can help.”Shain said she believes that “everyone has the ability to help another person,” and that although 82 women were awarded an unsung hero award this year, she is “willing to bet that there are 182 women below the radar doing a lot of great things.”Shain added that she appreciates being recognized but sees the recognition “as a stepping stone,” to help others realize that they, too, can make a difference.She said, “Having a person [like me] who was recognized for opening their eyes shows that the award is not about the person, but about that philosophy, the philosophy of ‘so can I.’”